During his nine years away from University of Santo Tomas, there had always been a clamor from Thomasians for Pido Jarencio to return when things go in disarray for the Growling Tigers.
It happened after the controversial end to Bong Dela Cruz’s two-year stint in 2015. Again, Jarencio’s name was again in the papers after the sacking of Boy Sablan in 2017.
Though Aldin Ayo brought joy to UST during his stellar run in UAAP Season 82, it also ended in demise after the alleged “Sorsogon Bubble-gate” during the height of the pandemic.
Again, the Thomasians wanted Jarencio on board.
During those times, Jarencio was committed to Northport.
Then came Bal David’s sudden resignation last Thursday. And this time around, it is most likely that the now 58-year-old Jarencio will make his return.
Jarencio, the current team manager of Northport, neither confirmed nor denied that he has already accepted the job.
But with a smile, he said, “Antayin na lang natin announcement nila.
“Kahit papano nakausap ko, tsambang usap pero usap pa lang. Siyempre, mga pari nagpapatakbo run, pari ang kausap natin. Sabi nga nila may tsamba, baka matsambahan na natin,” he quipped with a hearty laugh.
When asked how excited he was for a return, Jarencio tried to play coy, saying “depende” with a gush and a sparkle in his eye.
During his playing career in both the UAAP and the PBA, Jarencio earned the monicker “The Fireman” due to his marksmanship from deep.
And just how high is the probability of his return, he had this to say:
“Tignan mo ano percentage ko sa three-point shot.”
Jarencio was the one who steered UST to the UAAP Season 69 championship. He also led the school to two more finals appearances before going full-time with Northport back in 2013.
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
